Munich Ravens edge Stuttgart Surge in interconference ELF thriller

| American Football | 06/30/2025

The Munich Ravens (5–1) secured a dramatic 36–33 victory over the Stuttgart Surge (4–2) at Sportpark Unterhaching, delivering a last-second knockout in a back-and-forth European League of Football clash between South and West Conference contenders.

Back-and-forth battle unfolds
Both teams traded scores in a tightly contested first half. Munich struck first as quarterback Russell Tabor connected with wide receiver Malik Stanley for a touchdown, matched by Stuttgart’s Michael Harley Jr. hauling in a Reilly Hennessey pass. The Ravens opened the second quarter with creativity: Tabor lateraled to Stanley, who launched a 6-yard trick-play TD pass to tight end Philip Okonkwo (14–7). Stuttgart responded with Hennessey’s 20-yard strike to Louis Geyer, though a missed extra point kept the score 14–13 at halftime.

Late-game fireworks decide outcome
Munich extended their lead to 21–13 early in the third quarter, but Stuttgart’s ground game surged. Running back Tobi Oyewo (100 rushing yards, 2 TDs) and Hennessey’s 1-yard QB sneak gave the Surge their first lead at 26–21. The fourth quarter saw five lead changes, with Tabor’s 112 rushing yards and 3 passing TDs offsetting his three interceptions. With 1:16 remaining, Hennessey found Harley Jr. for a 21-yard TD to put Stuttgart ahead 33–30. Munich’s final drive culminated in Tabor’s 8-yard TD pass to Okonkwo (6 receptions, 80 yards), sealing the win.

Key performances

  • Munich: Tabor accounted for 4 total TDs (3 passing, 1 rushing), while Okonkwo’s two TD receptions anchored the air attack. Running back Jai’Quan Rodney added 98 rushing yards.
  • Stuttgart: Hennessey threw for 296 yards and 2 TDs, with Harley Jr. (127 receiving yards, 1 TD) and Geyer (84 yards, 1 TD) starring. Oyewo’s 8.3 yards per carry kept defenses honest.

Defensive struggles and turning points
Both teams combined for five turnovers, with Stuttgart intercepting Tabor three times. However, the Surge’s failed two-point conversion attempt in the third quarter and a critical sack on Hennessey in the final minute proved costly. Munich’s defensive line pressured Hennessey into two sacks, disrupting late drives.

Conference implications
The Ravens (South Conference) strengthened their playoff positioning with a critical interconference win, while the Surge (West Conference) now find themselves tied with the Paris Musketeers, both with 4-2 records. Munich next faces the Madrid Bravos in a pivotal South Conference matchup, while Stuttgart aims to rebound against the Fehérvár Enthroners.

With both teams showcasing explosive offenses and resilient defenses, Sunday’s thriller underscored the ELF’s parity, as interconference clashes continue to shape the playoff landscape.

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